Orange County, Fla., Catholic GOP mayor supports marriage equality

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County, Fla., mayor Teresa Jacobs has voiced her support for marriage equality.

Teresa Jacobs

“I support it,” said Jacobs, who is both a Republican and Catholic. “People should be able to share their lives with the person they love. Government should treat these couples the same. Once you establish that, it takes you to marriage equality.”

“My opinion is that gay couples should have the same rights and benefits as any other couple. I used to think that civil unions would get you there. But I see now that civil unions don’t provide the same rights and benefits,” she said.

Jacobs said that by sparking out she hopes to help others understand that marriage equality need not conflict with religious belief.

“I think that, with the right kind of communication, I can change some people’s opinions on this issue,” she said.